CLASH OF THE TITANS
A duopoly is emerging in the country’s hypercompetitive skies, and it’s evident in Air India’s proposal to acquire the balance 16.33 per cent equity in low-cost carrier AirAsia India. Tatas’ four airlines—Air India, Air India Express, Vistara and AirAsia India—have a market share of 24.2 per cent, while rival IndiGo leads with 54.8 per cent. With the Competition Commission of India expected to clear the proposal, the Tatas would then focus on integrating Air India Express and Vistara to eventually challenge IndiGo’s dominance. Brace for action.